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.Some were accounts of modern conflicts: the Persian Gulf Wars, Vietnam, Korea, World Wars I and II, the Civil War—just to name a few.Most, however, were historic accounts of ancient battles.The Roman Empire and its many epic accounts was recorded in multiple volumes.One large series of books seemed to encompass Roman history, from the formation of the Roman Republic to the fall of the Byzantine Empire.Monson was relieved to see that despite the school’s obsession with Old Rome, there were many books dedicated to other empires, such as Egypt, Persia, and Syria.Monson idled around the shelves for a bit longer hoping to find something that might entertain him during his off nights.It was in that moment that something on the back-center bookcase caught his eye.Lore of the Folk: a Complete Guide to Your Understanding of the Secrets of Coren County read the title.Curious, Monson pulled the book off the shelf and proceeded to examine the cover, which was dominated by a painting of a rock-laced waterfall.It was beautiful, almost as realistic as a photograph.Monson traced his finger along the right side of the picture.He wondered if these falls were actually in the valley, or if this was just some artistic license meant to make Coren County appear more interesting than it really was.Monson flipped open the cover to look for something resembling a dedication or author's note.Instead he found these handwritten phrases: For Rose Mary, may you never find this, but if you do, hopefully it helps.Monson continued to flip.The book was handwritten and was more like a scrapbook than a published piece.And what about the dedication? Now that was weird."Well, you seem a little out of place here, don't you?" Monson asked out loud."What about this valley could be so interesting that someone would want to write a history of it?""Master Grey," a voice split the air from the other room.Monson recognized it as Brian's."Yeah, I'm in here, Brian." Monson quickly closed the book.He hesitated for a moment, and without really thinking, he tucked the book under his arm and left the room, closing the door behind him.Brian was standing behind the counter of the kitchenette holding a tray with an assortment of food."I was not aware of your preference, so I brought you a little bit of everything." He set the tray on the counter and offered Monson a couple of different soft drinks.Monson grabbed a can, at the same time placing the book on the stool beside him.He cracked it open and started to drink."I don't usually drink a lot of pop," Monson commented, taking a sip of the blue-canned cola.It was a bit sweet, but he found that he liked it.Setting down the soda, Monson picked up a ham and cheese bagel sandwich and bit into it.It was simple, but tasty."What teenager does not drink soft drinks?" Brian leaned over the plate of food, but didn’t take any himself.Monson, noticing this, grabbed another sandwich and placed it in front of him.Brian looked startled."You look hungry." Monson gestured to the food."Why don't you join me? Besides, we're probably going to be spending quite a bit of time together, so we might as well be friends."Brian studied Monson with soft, unassuming eyes.He smiled gently and picked up the sandwich."Thank you," he said as he took a bite, "but back to the soft drinks; I’m curious.Why do you not drink them? Are you an athlete?"Monson laughed."No, I’ve never played any sports as far as I know.I was homeschooled, so that makes it hard, you know.""You were homeschooled, were you? Why stop now?" Brian asked, "And in such a dramatic way? Did homeschooling not suit your taste?"Monson didn't answer, but stuffed the rest of the sandwich into his mouth, almost choking as he did so.Finally, he was able to swallow."I think I'm going to lie down now," he said, a slight edge to his voice."I see." Brian straightened up and gave Monson another one of those little bows."I will wake you when the time is right.Rest assured knowing I will be here, and thank you for the sandwich."Monson touched his fingers to his brow in a kind of half-salute and proceeded to his room, closing the doors behind him.Alone now, he walked across his room and sat on the large window seat that ran the length of the huge window.It was raining outside.A gentle patter of drops stuck to the glass as the remnants drizzled down the length of the window.The sight and sounds were soothing.Monson stared out to the forest that marked the edge of Coren's property.The area stretched on forever, the lush greenery reaching far into the distance.Monson liked the rain, but only if he had dry spot from which to watch it
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